Six Eagle Baseball Players Honored by Conference

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Jeff Ricker was named the Foothill Conference baseball player of the year and five of his teammates were honored with All Conference recognition when the team was announced this week.

Ricker, a sophomore shortstop, from Cajon High led the Eagles in batting average (.380), runs scored (40), and hits (65) while leading the Eagles to a 24-12 record and a spot in the Southern California Regionals. Ricker was also selected First Team All Conference last year as a freshman when he played second base for the Eagles.

Second baseman Vince Canales and starting pitcher Joe Fernandez were named First Team All Conference helping the Eagles to a 17-7 mark and a second place finish in the Foothill Conference. Canales a sophomore from Murrieta Valley hit .340 this season with 24 RBIs and 37 runs scored. Fernandez, a freshman from Corona High School, posted a 6-2 record on the mound for MSJC. He threw 72 and 2/3 innings and recorded a team best 2.72 earned run average.

Third baseman Johnny Armenta, center fielder Chase Phillips, and starting pitcher Augie Gallardo were each named Second Team All Conference. Armenta a Tahquitz High graduate hit .348 and drove in a team high 37 runs on the season. Phillips from Pacific High in San Bernardino led the team in homeruns with 5 and drove in 34 runs while hitting .338. Gallardo a freshman from Hemet High won a team high 7 games on the season throwing 79 and 2/3 innings and striking out 45.

The Eagles kick off Southern California Regional play on Friday night when they travel to Walnut to take on Mt. San Antonio College in a best of 3 series. Friday's game is scheduled for 7 pm. Game 2 in Walnut is set for Saturday afternoon at 2 pm, if a third game is necessary it will take place 30 minutes after the completion of game 2.

Jeff Ricker (top) was named the 2013 Foothill Conference baseball player of the year as he helped guide the Eagles into the Southern California Regional with a record of 24-12. Joe Fernandez (bottom) along with Vince Canales were both named First Team All Conference, three other Eagles earned the honor of second team all league.